Floriade – More than a walk in the park

For 25 years Floriade has evoked tulips, perfume, sunshine and spring. However, Floriade is no longer just a family friendly flower festival; it also features an exciting program for the pros.

This year from Saturday the 15^th September to Sunday 14^th of October, Canberra celebrates the season of Spring through Floriade. The free event is held at Canberra’s Commonwealth Park and each year over 400,000 visitors come to enjoy the spectacle of over 1 million flowers in full bloom.

Floriade may be a very beautiful festival, but it isn’t superficial. Admiring the flowers is one thing, but learning about plant varieties and selection, waterwise gardening, irrigation design and landscaping gives the event depth and appeal.

An exciting event on the Floriade program is the opportunity to explore showcase displays gardens created by a range of Australian institutions, community groups and national attractions. One example is the Murumbung Yurung Murra display garden. This was built by the ACT Parks and Conservation Service in partnership with Aboriginal Rangers and Field Staff; it integrates traditional knowledge and native plants species with contemporary horticultural skills and exotic plant species. The garden pays tribute to the Traditional Custodians of the region – the Ngunnawal people. It celebrates the cultural landscape of the ACT and inspires others to embrace reconciliation and build strong pathways for the health of the environment and future generations.  All the gardens follow the principle theme of water conservation and alternative energy use in ways inspirational to transforming backyard gardens. There will also be a series of bush-friendly gardens on display aimed at teaching gardeners how to create environmentally responsible gardens which protect local remnant bushland. Expert guest speakers such as Horticulturalist and international award-winning designer Jamie Durie and renowned gardening columnist Jackie French will be on hand to provide practical tips on sustainable gardening.

Another bright idea from last year’s Floriade, is the nightfest. For five days the garden beds will be lit up with spectacularly coloured light shows. The energy efficient LED light lighting installations will be designed and created by world-class creative lighting designers Mandylights.

This year’s festival theme is Style and Design with each week exploring a new focus. Week 1 explores Spring Palettes, with an emphasis on creativity and colour. Week 2 is Fashion & Design with an emphasis on floral design, innovative displays and style workshops. Week 3 is DIY on personal and residential garden transformations and Week 4 is Home Grown Living, which encompasses all things natural from sustainability to home grown produce.

Free entry and special extended opening hours will also be observed at The Canberra Discovery Garden and The National Arboretum Canberra, which celebrate the vital role of green spaces in urban places.

This year is the celebration of 25 years of Floriade. The event has grown, literally, physically and conceptually as the festival branches out into rich and fertile ideas for ecologically-minded backyard enthusiasts.

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